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Governor Nikki Haley to become US Ambassador to the United Nations

Yuryi Abramochkin
UN General Assembly. December 1988

President-Elect Donald Trump has selected Governor Nikki Haley as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations. Haley is the first female appointed to a top position in Trump's administration. The two have had a tense relationship, as she first supported Marco Rubio then Ted Cruz for the Presidency. Russ McKinney reports from the Capital. 

Credit Sam Holland / South Carolina Governor's Office
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South Carolina Governor's Office
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley

Trump cited Haley's experience with economic development, negotiating with international businesses, and ability to unite people as qualities valuable to a US Ambassador to the United Nations. He adds, "she is also a proven deal maker, and we look to be making plenty of deals."

Haley released a statement this morning confirming that she would accept.

Nevertheless, her official appointment is contingent on confirmation by the Senate. Many experts believe her lack of foreign policy experience will attract skepticism. She was a state lawmaker before rising to the Governorship, both state-focused positions. Nevertheless, US Congressman Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., praises her connection to the global economy by attracting international businesses to set up shop in the state including Boeing, BMW, Volvo, and Michelin.

US Senator Lindsey Graham congratulated the Governor as well, hoping to collaborate with her on "long overdue reform of the United Nations." Specifically, he stressed the US' commitment to bolstering the State of Israel.

Credit United States State Department
Official photo of United States Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power

Governor Nikki Haley will succeed Samantha Powers as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

With two years left in Governor Haley's term, Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster will assume her position. 

National Newscast

1123_national_newscast.mp3
November 23, 2016 12 pm Newscast

Russ McKinney has 30 years of experience in radio news and public affairs. He is a former broadcast news reporter in Spartanburg, Columbia and Atlanta. He served as Press Secretary to former S.C. Governor Dick Riley for two terms, and for 20 years was the chief public affairs officer for the University of South Carolina.